About 75% of the Falls lie in Zimbabwe, and is therefore best seen from the Zimbabwean side, with a variety of 16 viewpoints in the rainforest. In addition – the Falls NEVER dry up in Zimbabwe. Even at the height of the dry season, the Main Falls and Devils cataract will still have impressive water flow. During the dry months (October and November) the Falls on the Zambian side dry up completely.

For the majority of foreign visitors to Zimbabwe entry is straight forward and hassle-free.  In order to enter the country, all visitors to Zimbabwe must be in possession of a valid passport.  In some cases a visa may also be required.

For more specific information regarding whether or not a visa to travel to Zimbabwe is required – kindly see http://www.experiencezimbabwe.com/guide/visa-requirements

Zimbabwe has been identified as a country affected by Malaria. The good news is that it is preventable.  So, if you are prepared, there is no reason why you should not have a healthy and happy visit to Victoria Falls. Visitors may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after their trip.  It is recommended that you therefore visit your doctor, pharmacist or travel clinic – ideally 2-6 weeks before travelling – and specify that you will be travelling to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia.  He (or she) will then be able to help you decide on the most suitable medication option, and also advise on other steps that may be taken to avoid contracting Malaria. Additional Information

As Victoria Falls River Lodge has access to professional medical facilities within half an hour – our guests need only bring their personal medical requirements.

Victoria Falls International Airport is the closest airport – an approximate 30 minute drive.

Next would be Livingstone International Airport (Zambia), which is approximately 50 minutes by road transfer (subject to Zambian and Zimbabwean customs clearance)

A passport and current drivers license is all that is required.

Yes.  Transfers from/to both Victoria Falls and Livingstone International Airports upon arrival and departure – as well as the option to travel into the town of Victoria Falls – are offered daily. The aforementioned airport transfers and optional trips into town,  which typically depart at 10h00 and returning to the Lodge at 15h00, are included in the accommodation rate.

Management is also be more than happy to assist with the arrangement of any additional transfers that may be required.

We recommend a minimum period of two to three nights – as we have found that it is often just not possible to comfortably fit in all the wonderful activities that the Lodge and Victoria Falls area in general has to offer. The maximum length is completely up to you.

The town of Victoria Falls falls within the Matabeleland North Province, therefore Ndebele is the predominant language in the region.  This area is however, also a Tonga stronghold.  The Tonga people range from near Hwange, down along the River to Binga (top end of Lake Kariba).  The Tonga culture is deeply rooted in the local ethos, with carvings & pendants of Nyaminyami (the Tonga deity, their river god) widely available in the area.

Although the tribes that are native to the area are the Ndebele and Tonga, Shona is also spoken by many of the people. This is probably mostly due to people in the tourism industry migrating to the area. The other fairly prominent tribe or language from this area is Nambya; a people found predominantly in the Hwange area that has also spread up to The Falls.

Across the River, on the Zambian side, are the Lozi and the Toka Leya people.

Please visit the Accommodation Rates

While on Safari in Zimbabwe, it is recommended that clothing in neutral colours such as browns, khaki, stone or beige be worn.  Such colours are less noticable when out and about in the bush and this could potentially enable your party to get closer to the wild animals you may want to see.  It is advisable to layer your clothing as this  not only provides more warmth, when required, but also allows you to remove clothing items during the hottest period of the day.  For more information – please see our Weather Guide + Pack List

The Zimbabwean climate is tropical, although markedly moderated by altitude. There is a dry season, which also includes a short cool season, during the period May to September.  During these months the country as a whole receives very little rain. The rainy season typically experiences heavy rainfalls between November and March and the foliage is dense, green and lush.

Yes. The water at Victoria Falls River Lodge is perfectly safe to drink.

Zimbabwe does not change its clocks during the year, and there are no regional variations within the country.  Zimbabwe Standard Time is (+2) Greenwich Mean (or Universal Standard) Time, (+1) Central European Winter Time, and (+7) USA’s Eastern Standard Winter Time.  Time Zone: CAT (Central Africa Time).

Date	English Name
1 January	New Year’s Day
18 April	Independence Day
25 May	Africa Day
2 July	The Public Women’s Day and Children’s Day
Second Monday in August	Heroes’ Day
Second Tuesday in August	Armed Forces Day
18-23 Dec	Unity week
25 December	Christmas Day
26 December	Boxing Day
27-31 December	Shangani week

Zimbabwe has a warm sunny climate and everyone should wear sunscreen and a hat whenever out of doors during the day; particularly between 10am and 2pm, regardless of whether there is cloud cover or not.